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Holm dominates Anderson for impressive unanimous decision win

Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY Sports

Holly Holm finally notched a win at featherweight Saturday night, overpowering UFC newcomer Megan Anderson for three rounds to earn a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) at UFC 225 in Chicago.

The 36-year-old had lost her first two fights at featherweight, both of which were five-round title bouts. Holm (12-4) was 1-4 in her last five fights since winning the bantamweight belt off Ronda Rousey in November 2015. Holm said after the win Saturday that she wants to return to 135 lbs to reclaim the championship, and also win the featherweight title.

Having a size advantage at 6-feet tall, Anderson (8-2) was supposed to make her UFC debut last summer against Cris Cyborg, but had to pull out due to personal problems. Saturday's loss was Anderson's first bout since January 2017, ending a four-fight win streak for the Australian.

To start the fight, Anderson stalked down Holm and landed a solid striking combination for some very brief success. Holm pushed the action up against the cage, trying to negate Anderson’s size and reach. Anderson continued having success on her feet, but Holm landed a takedown to end the round on the mat.

Weary of Anderson’s striking strength, Holm eventually succeeded after pushing for takedowns to start the second round. Holm took side control and struggled to set up a submission, though she did work her way to dealing out punishing ground strikes as the frame ended.

Taking a striking advantage into the last round, Holm neutralized Anderson’s length against the cage and on the ground. It wasn’t pretty or exciting, but Holm used her advantage in jiu-jitsu to stay on top until the final horn, teaching Anderson a lesson about the level of competition in the UFC.

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